Focus and Being Calm Issues for Teens Aged 12-18
Here are curated resources, including books, supplements, websites, and TED Talks, aimed at helping teenagers improve focus and manage impulsivity. Each recommendation is tailored for parents, grandparents, and guardians.
Recommended Books
- The Teenage Brain by Frances E. Jensen: Explains the biological underpinnings of adolescent impulsivity and offers practical strategies for fostering focus. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Smart but Scattered Teens by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson, and Colin Guare: Guides teens and parents in strengthening executive function skills to improve organization and impulse control. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Anxiety Workbook for Teens by Lisa M. Schab: Offers activities to help teens manage anxiety, reduce stress, and enhance focus. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day by Jennie Marie Battistin: Provides quick, practical mindfulness exercises to improve attention and self-awareness. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Driven to Distraction (Revised) by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey: Focuses on ADHD and offers strategies for managing attention and impulsivity. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Mindful Teen by Dzung X. Vo: Introduces mindfulness techniques to help teens manage stress and regulate emotions. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson: Offers practical neuroscience-backed strategies to support teens in emotional regulation. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids 600–1,200 mg EPA+DHA daily. Enhances focus and reduces impulsivity. [LINK]
- Zinc 10 mg daily. Supports neurotransmitter regulation and reduces impulsivity. [LINK]
- Magnesium 200 mg daily. Promotes calmness and emotional regulation. [LINK]
- Iron: Supports attention and cognitive function. [LINK]
- Vitamin D: 600–1,000 IU daily. Enhances cognitive and emotional health. [LINK]
- Probiotics 5 billion CFUs daily. Supports gut-brain health. [LINK]
- B Vitamins: Supports neurotransmitter synthesis and mood regulation. [LINK]
Informative Websites
- Teen Health: Articles and resources tailored to teenage mental and physical health.
- KidsHealth: Comprehensive guides on teen health, including focus and impulse management.
- TeensHealth by Nemours: Educational tools covering mindfulness and stress reduction for teens.
- AAP Teen Resources: Evidence-based articles on teen sleep, health, and stress management.
- Teen Mental Health (MedlinePlus): Focuses on teen-specific mental health strategies and resources.
- MindWise Innovations: Offers tools for mindfulness and emotional regulation.
Insightful TED Talks
- The Power of Yet by Carol Dweck: Encourages resilience and growth mindset.
- How to Stay Calm When You Know You’ll Be Stressed by Daniel Levitin: Provides strategies for managing stress and improving focus.
- Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator by Tim Urban: Insights into procrastination and its effects on mental health.
- The Skill of Self-Confidence by Dr. Ivan Joseph: Explores self-confidence and its impact on mental health.
- Your Elusive Creative Genius by Elizabeth Gilbert: Discusses creativity as a stress-relief tool.
- How to Make Stress Your Friend by Kelly McGonigal: Reframes stress as a positive force for growth.
- The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown: Encourages authenticity and emotional connection to improve well-being.